Howie Long signs off on son joining Patriots

Howie Long signs off on son joining Patriots

There’s never been a whiff of stage-fathering from Howie Long. Despite having the platform and the sway, the Hall of Fame defensive lineman hasn’t preached from his FOX analyst’s position about what’s best for the on-field careers of sons Chris and Kyle.

Kyle, a 27-year-old offensive lineman and three-time Pro Bowler with the Bears, and Chris, the former No. 2 overall pick who just signed with the Patriots, have done fine without the advocating.

But in a conversation with Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston last week, Howie Long wholeheartedly signed off on Chris’ decision to join the Patriots.

"I've always felt like, in my mind, the way they play, prepare, and go about their business on a day-in, day-out basis, that Chris is a Patriots-type player," Long told Reiss. "I think it's a good marriage, I really do. It's an exciting opportunity for Chris."

Long’s been in the NFL for eight seasons. He’s never played in the postseason. The Rams finished last in the frequently-weak NFC West five times over that span. After being released by the Rams, having a chance to play for a successful team instead of a doormat was the prime motivator.

His father signed off on that.

"At this point in his career, why do you play? You play to have an opportunity to win,” said the father. “It's an organization, in the last 15 years they've won 13 divisions and been to six Super Bowls, winning four. They came very close to winning the other two. So if you want to have an opportunity to swing for the fence, and be around like-minded people, they have that in abundance there," he said.

"I have a great deal of respect for so many players on that team, and that staff, and the way they prepare -- the attention to detail, the scheme versatility, and the challenges that presents as a player. Everything you have to do there to be a part of that, he's really excited to do that."

Long spent his youth in Charlestown and went to high school in Milford so there’s a local hook to Chris Long playing here. I won’t cannibalize Reiss’ entire interview so you have to click his link to read that part.

The Pats signed McClellin to a three-year deal prior to the 2016 season, but that was the only season in which he played for the team. McClellin missed all of last season due to injury. Prior to coming to New England, McClellin played four seasons with the Bears, who chose him 19th overall in 2012.

McClellin's biggest contribution with the Pats came when he blocked a Justin Tucker kick in Week 14 of the 2016 season against the Ravens.